Being an Introvert isn't easy or should I say, it could be tough especially we live in a cruel society. Introverts are often misunderstood, disregard and judge which lead to many misconceptions. Many people often misunderstood our silence and how we don't mind spending more time alone. We have our reasons and if you are curious enough, you may continue to read this blog. Before I forget to mention, there are actually plenty of famous celebrities, successful and world leaders that are Introverts. Yes, you read the right thing. You may search "Famous people who are Introverts" in google.com if you don't believe me. I'm not bluffing. I'm just as surprised as you are!
So why did I decide to write a blog about Introverts? The answer is very simple for I am an Introvert and I'm not ashamed to admit that. However, what really inspire me in writing this blog was when I read some articles about Introverts when I was figuring out things about myself. I felt that I should be able to write or more like open up and let people understand why Introverts act the way we are and as much as we may appear cold or snobbish, we are actually nice people. It was such a relief to me after I read those useful and informative articles about Introverts. Majority of the things that I have read were accurate and it applies to me.
1. I EXPRESS MYSELF BETTER IN WRITING
The easiest way for me to express myself is through writing. I feel like I can express myself better and clearer in writing. You see I am not much of a vocal person in front of a huge crowd unless of course I am required to do public speaking. I write more than I speak.
2. PERSONAL TIME IS EVERYTHING
One thing I love about being an Introvert is that I don't mind being alone at all. Having to have personal time after spending many hours surrounded by people is probably the best therapy for us Introverts. Personal time can be very fulfilling and it gives us the time to think about stuff that we probably can't think when with people due to distractions. Alone time makes us feel most at peace.
3. WE ARE NOT ANTI-SOCIAL
Let me clarify this, Introverts are not anti-social. In fact, we enjoy socialising, but not too extreme - like becoming BFF with every single one in a party or social gathering. We love having people around and we love initiating interesting conversation with people. We are also open-minded people, well for most of us at least.
However, there may be a moment where you might find us Introverts quiet but listening to people talk instead. Don't take us in a wrong way, we are just taking a break from socialising and although we love to initiate in conversation, sometimes we actually prefer to listen to people talk and somehow talk back through our minds. That is because socialising can be somewhat exhausting. Everyone deserves a break from time to time if not all the time.
4. CRITICIZED AS BEING TOO QUIET OR RESERVED
Because of our silence and lack of voice, we are often criticized as too quiet and too reserved. Believe it or not, we are sort of used to hearing people say that and we know that is not true. Introverts are actually shy people, but not quiet and reserved people. We just prefer not to start a conversation with someone we barely know.
Let me share something about myself. My friends and including my boyfriend all thought that I am a quiet person when they first met me, but after spending some time chatting with me, they came to a conclusion that they were truly wrong because I am not a quiet person. I talk a lot, I talk about anything and sometimes it's even hard to shut me up. I am a shy person though I must admit.
5. ASSUMING AND KNOWING THINGS AHEAD OF TIME
I don't see anything wrong with knowing things ahead of time because I like to be prepared for what has to come. I don't fancy surprises and to me, surprises can make me flustered. I tend to assume things because that is what my brain is for, I think a lot like a lot of lot.
6. WE DON'T GET BORED WITH OUR OWN COMPANY
Frankly speaking, I don't mind or I don't feel bad being alone. In fact, I enjoy my own company and I don't get bored with myself. I get to do things myself and without anyone judging or observing me.
I can either use my phone for hours, play games or watch movies for the entire day, finish a book and even facial time with myself without feeling bored because I always find something to do without relying on others. So in other words, I am the type who don't mind staying at home at all.
7. SOMETIMES WE ENJOY THE ATTENTION
Introverts also enjoy attention not just extroverts. We need to feel special too from time to time. We need to feel that we are being appreciated despite our shy personality, we are still human beings with the need for attention. However, we don't like having too much attention. A simple thank you gesture of any sort will be enough to make our day.
8. WE ARE ACTUALLY A PEOPLE PERSON AND WE ENJOY MEETING NEW PEOPLE
I get very excited when I know I'm meeting new people even though I don't normally show much expression that I am excited. I won't go like, "Woaaaah! Yaaay! New people!" that kind of expression. I would rather let it go with the flow once I meet that person. I don't try too hard to make a good impression, though I believe in first impression and personal connection.
I am also a people person because I actually like surrounding myself with people especially those who are close to me. I like entertaining people too.
9. SURPRISES ARE NOT MY BIGGEST FAN
I don't fancy surprises. To me, surprises can be overwhelming and awkward. I dislike being unprepared because I like to know things ahead of time so I can prepare myself for what has to come rather than getting shocked and shit face.
Just because I said I don't like surprises, doesn't mean that I would hate anyone who plans to surprise me. I just prefer not to deal with surprises, but if it happens then it happens!
10. TOO MUCH SOCIALIZING CAN BE EXHAUSTING
Think about talking non-stop for hours with either the same group of people or worse with numerous kind of people. It can get pretty exhausting and it will suck out all of your energy. Some people enjoy or don't mind doing this because they're born social butterflies and whilst for introverts too much socializing can be pretty tiring.
Toilet breaks or checking on our phones are our ways to conserve or regain our energy,
11. WE ARE OFTEN NOT GIVEN PROPER RECOGNITIONS
We introverts are silent workers. We prefer doing things through actions instead of talking or bullshitting. Because we are silent workers, we are often not given proper recognition from neither work or school.
In my 8 years of work experience, I only had one manager who had seen my potential and saw me as a leader which led me to my very first promotion. I don't like to brag about how much I work, at least not through words, but I show my hard work through my actions.
12. WE ARE VERY GOOD OBSERVERS
We like to observe before we say anything. It is because we make decisions very carefully and we want to see what other people might say first, even though we already have the answers in our genius mind (JK!). We are good at noticing the smallest details and things that not a lot of people care to see.
13. I DON'T LIKE PICKING UP ANY STRANGERS OR UNKNOWN CALL
I can't explain why, but I'm terrified of picking up unknown calls or calls from someone I barely talk to. I think I'm just anxious about the fact that I don't know what to talk about or that I think too much about what the caller is going to tell me. Work calls, for instance.
Don't get me wrong though, I love talking on the phone. I can spend hours over the phone just chitchatting about anything, but of course, I only do that with my closest people.
14. WE LIKE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY
We introverts are full of ideas. That is because we spend more time observing and thinking in our own world. There are many things that we prefer to do many things or everything our own way. It's not because we don't like your method or ideas. It's just that we have our own way of handling things and we do what we make us feel comfortable. We can be quite stubborn at times, but we do listen and follow the rules when needed.
15. I LEARN TO LOVE AND ACCEPT MYSELF
Last but not the least, I finally learn how to love myself or should I say accept myself first. It's not easy at first, but I eventually learn more about myself. I went on a deep research about why I am the way I am until I get to really know myself. We never really stop discovering yourself and every day is a new day and a chance for us to learn something about yourself even more.
Frankly speaking, It took me many years to finally realized what is happening to me. I always knew that I am a shy person and I have fear of talking to people. At first, I hated how I was before and I had many desires to change that disgusting habit of mine, however, I let fear get to me for many years. Finally, I learn to accept who I am and I try to improve it slowly but surely. I also want to say Thank you to those who have been giving me the courage to face my fear and for accepting me for I am.
Being an Introvert isn't a bad thing. Being an Introvert isn't a incapability or disability. Being an Introvert is awesome. It is not our fault if we were born shy or having fears of talking to people in general. We shouldn't let anyone stop us from fulfilling what we want to achieve in life. We may have to work extra harder in this cruel society, but always remember that a good and smart people would notice you before you even have to show or prove anything. Just be you and love yourself.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
